Blog

Pubs have sold takeaway pints in the warm weather, there have been long lines as drive-through restaurants reopen, and supermarket deliveries remain elusive for many, until now. But what are the Covid-19 hazards if you get a local takeaway or a delivery to your home? What About Takeaways? Numerous local restaurants have reinvented themselves for deliveries. Covid-19 is an illness that attacks the respiratory system; there is no proof it can spread via any food or food packaging. And reliable food chains and operative restaurants are required to be equipped towards professional, sterile food preparation, indicating there would be a minimum risk from a freshly cooked takeaway food. With social distancing and increased hygiene precautions in action, we offer online delivery from Marks and Spencer because 49 of its cafes have reopened. Dozens of KFC restaurants are now reopening for either delivery or drive-through. Burger King and McDonald's have also opened a few drive-throughs. Should I eat with my hands? If you get food delivered, the risk of packaging contagion can be, minimised. "Empty your food into a clean dish, get rid of the packaging into a rubbish bag and wash your hands for 20 seconds before you eat". You should take your food out with a spoon and then eat with a knife and fork, not using your fingers. The Food Standards Agency states the risk from food is low, and "there is no reason to dodge having ready-to-eat food delivered if it has been, properly prepared and handled". For the most careful and vulnerable people, cautious preparation and cooking may be encouraging. "With a pizza, if you require to be extra safe, you could even pop it into the microwave or oven for a couple of minutes. What About Alcohol & Drinks Delivery? Some 24-hour off licence alcohol premises - have been forced to close due to the coronavirus restrictions - but have continued to sell alcohol online or via delivery apps. Pubs and bars have enforced social distancing and introduce new hygiene standards if they are to open - like making sure personnel wear gloves when handling plastic cups. How Safe Are Supermarkets & Getting Deliveries? Delivery slots have long waits at most supermarkets, and a home supermarket delivery is less risky than a journey to the nearest supermarket as you will avoid other customers. Any risk would come from the possible contamination of the packaging - touched by other people. You can leave a note on the iDeliverr app requiring drivers to ring and step back. For contained goods, store them for 72 hours or spray and wipe containers with Dettol. For unwrapped fresh vegetables, which could have been touched by anyone - wash underwater and leave to dry. There is no more risk of using online deliveries than a volunteer or friend to collect shopping for you." Some authorities also advise using plastic bags only once throughout this pandemic. Is It Risky To Go To The Supermarket To Get Groceries? COVID-19 spreads when somebody is infected and coughs small droplets of the virus into the air. These droplets can induce an infection if they are, breathed in. So going to the supermarket and mingling with extra people does carry a risk. That is why social distancing is in place - keeping at least two metres apart from others - it is so necessary, and lots of shops are enforcing it. Supermarkets can produce an "ideal setting" for coronavirus. Lots of shoppers are touching items, checkout belts, car parking buttons, cash cards, paper receipts, cash machine buttons etc. Not to mention being in the vicinity of other people.